Sporting Fingal will have to do without the services of Lorcan Fitzgerald for up to six weeks after he fractured a cheekbone in the defeat to Bohemians.

The former West Ham United trainee clashed with team-mate Kenny Browne in a freak collision and even though he played on at Dalymount Park the injury is serious enough to rule him out of action.

It is a big blow for Sporting boss Liam Buckley, who will now be hoping that John Frost can recover from the knock that kept him out of the season opener as there is a void to fill at left-back.

"This is disappointing news for Lorcan and ourselves, especially following the manner of our defeat at Bohs," said Buckley.

"Lorcan showed great courage to play on and finish the game and we wish him a speedy recovery, hoping he returns to action as soon as possible.

“However, we have a hungry squad of players and whoever comes in to replace Lorcan for this Friday’s first home game of the campaign against Sligo Rovers is more than capable of doing a decent job."